English grammar can be tricky, especially when dealing with words like “who” and “whom.” The confusion only grows when phrases like “some of whom” or “some of who” come into play. Many people struggle with using these correctly, but mastering them is essential for polished communication.
In this guide, we’ll break down the grammar rules behind these phrases, clarify common misconceptions, and provide practical examples to make it easy for you to understand and apply.
Whether you’re a grammar enthusiast or simply someone looking to improve your writing, this article will provide everything you need to know.
By the end, you’ll not only understand why “some of whom” is correct but also how to identify when to use “who” and “whom” confidently in any sentence. Let’s dive in!
Understanding “Who” vs. “Whom”
The key to mastering phrases like “some of whom” lies in understanding the difference between “who” and “whom.” These two words serve different purposes in a sentence, and once you grasp their roles, you’ll see why using them correctly matters.
The Subjective Case: When to Use “Who”
- Definition: “Who” is a subject pronoun, meaning it performs the action in a sentence.
- Examples:
- Who is calling? (Subject performing the action of calling.)
- Who won the game? (Subject performing the action of winning.)
The Objective Case: When to Use “Whom”
- Definition: “Whom” is an object pronoun, meaning it receives the action in a sentence.
- Examples:
- To whom should I address the letter? (Object of the preposition “to.”)
- The teacher spoke to whom about the project? (Object of the verb “spoke.”)
Pro Tip: Use the “he/him” trick to test which word to use. Replace “who” or “whom” with “he” or “him” in the sentence. If “he” fits, use “who.” If “him” fits, use “whom.”
| Pronoun | Case | Usage | Example |
| Who | Subjective | Performs an action | Who is coming to the party? |
| Whom | Objective | Receives an action | To whom was the letter addressed? |
Breaking Down “Some Of Whom”
The phrase “some of whom” is correct because it adheres to grammatical rules for the objective case. Let’s break it down:
- “Some of”: This acts as a quantifier that refers to part of a larger group.
- “Whom”: Since it functions as the object of the preposition “of,” it requires the objective case.
Examples of “Some Of Whom” in Context
- The guests, some of whom were late, enjoyed the dinner.
- The athletes, some of whom had trained for years, performed exceptionally well.
Note: Using “some of who” in these examples would be incorrect because “of” is a preposition, and “who” cannot serve as its object.
Simple Tricks to Avoid Mistakes
Here are some practical tips to ensure you never confuse “who” and “whom” again:
- The “He/Him” Test:
- Replace “who” with “he” and “whom” with “him” to check which fits.
- Example: “The students, some of whom I taught last year…” → I taught him fits, so use “whom.”
- Look for Prepositions:
- If the pronoun follows a preposition (e.g., “of,” “to,” “by”), it’s likely “whom.”
- Example: “The friends, some of whom I traveled with…”
- Think of Formality:
- Use “whom” in formal contexts and writing.
- Example: “To whom it may concern.”
Common Misconceptions and Errors
Many people misuse “who” and “whom” due to common myths. Let’s debunk them:
1. Thinking “Whom” Is Always Formal
While “whom” is often used in formal writing, it’s not exclusively for formal situations. Use it wherever the grammar calls for it, regardless of tone.
2. Forgetting About Prepositions
A common mistake is ignoring prepositions like “of,” “to,” or “by.” For example:
- Incorrect: The students, some of who were absent, missed the lesson.
- Correct: The students, some of whom were absent, missed the lesson.
3. Overusing “Whom”
Sometimes people overcorrect and use “whom” where “who” is correct. For example:
- Incorrect: Whom is calling?
- Correct: Who is calling?
Real-World Examples of “Some Of Whom”
Case Study 1: News Articles
- “The survivors, some of whom were trapped for days, were finally rescued.”
- Here, “whom” is correct because it refers to the object of “of.”
Case Study 2: Academic Writing
- “The researchers interviewed 50 participants, some of whom reported feeling anxious.”
- “Whom” is the object of “of,” making this usage correct.
Comparing Alternatives: “Some Of Whom” vs. Other Phrases
“Some Of Them” vs. “Some Of Whom”
- Use “some of them” in informal contexts or when you’re not referring to people specifically.
- Example: The books, some of them damaged, were returned.
- Use “some of whom” for formal or specific contexts involving people.
- Example: The teachers, some of whom were on vacation, attended the meeting.
“Some Of Which”
- Use this phrase for non-human references:
- Example: The buildings, some of which were centuries old, were restored.
Practical Examples in Context
| Phrase | Usage |
| “Some of whom” | Refers to people: The players, some of whom were injured, still played. |
| “Some of them” | Informal or general: The items, some of them broken, were replaced. |
| “Some of which” | Refers to objects: The houses, some of which were painted, looked fresh. |
FAQs
1. When should I use “who” instead of “whom”?
Use “who” when referring to the subject of a sentence. For example: Who is going to the event?
2. Is “whom” outdated?
No, “whom” is still important in formal writing and certain grammatical constructions.
3. Can I always use “some of them” instead of “some of whom”?
Not always. Use “some of them” for informal contexts, but stick to “some of whom” in formal writing or when clarity is key.
English Overviews is a resourceful website dedicated to providing valuable content related to grammar and vocabulary. AD has made notable contributions, sharing insights on various subjects, including WordPress themes and plugins. The primary goal of the site is to help users improve their English language skills effectively.
